Amid the ongoing conflict in the region, a significant number of Syrians and Lebanese individuals are seeking refuge across the border in Syria. According to a top official at the United Nations refugee agency, many of these displaced individuals lack a clear plan for their next steps upon crossing the border.
The UNHCR Middle East spokesperson highlighted that a large influx of people, including both Lebanese and Syrians, have made the decision to flee to Syria abruptly, without detailed arrangements in place. The escalating Israeli bombings in Lebanon have further fueled this mass movement, as the areas considered safe in Lebanon continue to diminish.
For the approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees currently residing in Lebanon, the prospect of returning home presents challenges, as many may find their former residences destroyed due to the conflict. On the other hand, Lebanese individuals opting to cross into Syria face uncertainties regarding the duration of their stay, with some contemplating short-term stays while others remain undecided.
At the main checkpoint from Lebanon into Syria at Al Masnaa, reports indicate long queues of vehicles awaiting processing, underscoring the scale of the displacement crisis. One Syrian refugee shared his harrowing experience of fleeing his bombed home in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, and expressed hope for a safe passage to reunite with family members in Syria.
